If you think that culture is something you can’t afford, think again. While the upper class may get to take a trip to the ballet, there’s plenty of discounts out there for those younger than 30.
Student discounts aside, here are a few places in San Diego that make appreciating art affordable for the under 30 crowd.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Free Under 25
Thanks to a grant from the Qualcomm Foundation, visitors younger than 25 can visit one of the two MCASD locations for free. With dozens of exhibits and events throughout the year, it’s a nice way to enjoy works by local artists. There are even workshops and parties created specifically for the younger crowd. So what are you waiting for? Visit either the downtown location or La Jolla museum, show them your I.D. and get ready to get cultured.
Athenaeum
The A List
If you haven’t visited the historic library in La Jolla, put it on the top of your weekend priority list. The Athenaeum is a true gem as one of the few nonprofit libraries in the U.S. devoted entirely to music and art.
With that said young professionals 21 and older can join The A List for $75 and get some serious bang for their buck. The fee allows access to the library’s extensive collection, invitations to art hall openings, discount on concerts – plus admission to the A-List parties. Each year there’s five incredible soirees with complimentary local food and drinks. Past party sips have included Karl Strauss and Stone Brewing Co., with food from Cups and Burger Lounge. Yum.
San Diego Symphony
Encore SDS
Who says classical music is for your grandma? Thanks to a new program at the San Diego Symphony, young professionals can watch a show for only $15 – and party backstage afterward. Encore SDS began its 20s and 30s program earlier this fall to give locals the opportunity to mingle after concerts with food and drinks included. Plus there’s a meet and greet with the musicians behind the curtain; c’mon you know you want to say, “Cello.”
La Jolla Playhouse
$20 for 30 and younger
Thanks to our proximity to an award-winning theater, locals can see Broadway-level shows for a fraction of the price. La Jolla Playhouse, which consistently sends its productions to Broadway, offers a discount to patrons 30 and younger for $20 tickets. Quirky stories and heartfelt tales are the specialty of this picturesque La Jolla theater – pair that with low ticket prices, and it’s easy to convince a pal to join you on a theatrical journey.